VALLE GRANA

LAND OF CASTELMAGNO

This valley winds up the Cuneese plateau just twenty kilometres from Caraglio to the 2679-metre peak of Punta Tempesta. The valley offers original views of authentic beauty and ancient traditions. These lands produce the “King of cheeses”, Castelmagno PDO, an essential pleasure for every passionate gourmet.

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Nestled down in the heart of the Alpi Cozie, Valle Grana has managed to affirm its identity over the centuries. Its lively personality successfully blends nature and culture with food and wine expertise, while also including architectural masterpieces and charming natural landscapes. The area offers many options: the Santuario di San Magno, a 15th century church built at over 1700 metres a.s.l.; a well-established network of ecomuseums; and the tiny hamlets (called frazioni) Colletto in Castelmagno and Chalancho in Pradleves, which literally cling to the rock. All these places offer a glimpse of Alpine society of years ago. 


Valle Grana is considered to be a Provençal linguistic enclave. Located in the lateral Sancto Lucio valley, the Coumboscuro Centre Prouvençal has been working for years to safeguard and perpetuate the local Provençal language, folklore, traditions and music. An important event every year is the Festenal, which features different peoples and cultures of Europe. This festival is a rich treasure trove of music, languages and traditions from all over the Alps.


The area is also a favourite of amateur cyclists because of Colle Fauniera, well-known from the Giro d'Italia professional bike racing tour and especially for Marco Pantani’s exploits, the cycling legend, known as “Pirata”. Today, Valle Grana is still able to satisfy the most discerning excursionists because it offers a range of variety for the whole family. For example, the Sentiero dei Sarvanot trail (which has the same name as another famous itinerary in Rore di Sampeyre in Valle Varaita) winds through the Monterosso Grana territory, with informational signage installed for children along the entire trail. 


Another nature trail, called Curnis, covers over 40 km and links old villages and historical chestnut woods halfway up the valley. High mountain excursionists can enjoy the Curnis Auta, a 75-km trail that crosses the crests of the valleys along the border up to an altitude of 2500 metres. The Cammino di San Magno trail follows the ancient path used by pilgrims in olden times. It connects Campomolino and the Santuario di San Magno, passing through the characteristic hamlets of Nerone, Chiotti and Chiappi. 


The “King of cheeses” was born in this place, where pastures seem to touch the sky and the mountain’s voice becomes a mystical song as it encounters human knowledge. Made mainly with cow’s milk and aged for at least three months in cool, humid natural stone cellars, Castelmagno PDO has been produced here since medieval times and is now the symbol of the entire valley. Gourmets can enjoy many different exquisite delicacies in addition to delicious cheese: potato gnocchi coated in the beloved Castelmagno cheese, characteristic Madernassa pears, jams made from small fruit and craft liquors.

CUNEO ALPS: YOUR PERFECT HOLIDAY. GRANA VALLEY

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